From the Pastor: Celebrating 125 Years of Saint Peter School

This year, Saint Peter Parish proudly celebrates a very special milestone: the 125th anniversary of Saint Peter School.  For 125 years, Saint Peter School has been an important part of the life and mission of our Parish and of the Cambridge community. Generation after generation, our school has welcomed children and families, providing not only an excellent education but also an education rooted in the love of God. A Catholic school is more than a place where children learn reading, mathematics, science, and other academic subjects. It is a place where young people are invited to discover their faith. At Saint Peter School, education and faith have always been deeply connected.

Saint Peter School opened its doors in 1901. From the very beginning, the education of our children was entrusted in a special way to the School Sisters of Notre Dame. The first Sisters who staffed Saint Peter School were Sister M. Isaiah Pfeifer, Sister M. Dosithea Knopf, Sister M. Bassilissa Lynch, Sister M. Joanella Driscoll, and Sister M. Freida Fifnhauer.

We remember them with gratitude, as well as the many religious sisters, lay teachers, and staff members who followed them and dedicated their lives to the education and formation of our children.

Over these 125 years, countless teachers, staff members, religious sisters, parents, parishioners, alumni, volunteers, benefactors, and pastors have helped make the mission of Saint Peter School possible. Their dedication and sacrifice have touched the lives of thousands of children and families. Since its foundation, Saint Peter School has served not only families in Cambridge but also families from surrounding communities. Its presence has been a blessing to our city and to the many communities that have entrusted their children to our care.

As we celebrate this anniversary, we give thanks for all those who came before us and who helped build the school, we have today. We remember with gratitude the many generations of students who passed through its doors and the teachers who guided, encouraged, and inspired them.

This anniversary is also an opportunity to recognize that Saint Peter School is an important part of the mission of Saint Peter Parish. Our Parish has a mission to help children grow in knowledge, faith, and love for others.

As we celebrate this important milestone, we do not simply look back at our history. We also look toward the future with hope. The children in our classrooms today are the future of our Church and our Country. We have the privilege and responsibility of helping them develop their talents, strengthen their faith, and become people who will make a positive difference in the lives of others.

I am especially grateful to our current head of School, the assistant head of school, teachers, staff, parents, and students for the dedication they bring to Saint Peter School each day. I am also grateful to our parishioners, benefactors and alumni who continue to support and cherish this special institution.

One hundred twenty-five years is a remarkable achievement. It is a testament to the faith, commitment, and generosity of generations of people who believed in the importance of Catholic education and in the mission of Saint Peter School.

May this anniversary be a time of thanksgiving for our past, gratitude for the present, and hope for the future. May God continue to bless Saint Peter School as an Institution. And may Saint Peter School continue for many years to come to educate children not only for success in life, but also to know, love, and serve God and one another.

Happy 125th Anniversary, Saint Peter School! Fr. Americo Santos